Szerkesztő:Deligabi/Wiseman angol
Wiseman is the mascot of the Hungarian heavy/power metal band called Wisdom. He appears on album covers and his life story can be followed through some of the group’s lyrics as well.[1] The idea of his looks and outward characteristics is a collaboration between the well renowned graphic designer Gyula Havancsak and the band.[2] His features include the extremely long white hair and beard, ruddy eyes and a iron lockjaw which makes him unable to speak.[3] His most important tool is the book filled with the wisest sayings of the world, entitled "Words Of Wisdom".
Wiseman’s Story
[szerkesztés]The story of Wiseman started from the band’s first EP release, and has continued through to the latest album. Each album gives more insight for the listeners about his life. The story is based on fiction but can be interpreted into our modern society.
Wisdom EP
[szerkesztés]
Wiseman was seen first in 2004 on the cover of Wisdom’s first EP release. He was chained down in a castle’s jail wearing an iron lockjaw, looking with ruddy eyes. His beard and hair are extremely long. His beard was modeled by the graphic designer from a picture, taken from the former guitarist, Zsolt Galambos’s pony tail. The Wisdom EP was released with a multimedia content which gave more insight on Wiseman’s life and how it got to the scenario of the EP cover. According to the story, a time came when peace and tranquility was destroyed by evil forces, which wanted to rule over the world by taking away the chances of learning and developing from the people, creating a society where people aren’t capable of thinking, and will obey without question. Books were burnt (as they did in reality in certain ages), scientists and teachers were tortured and executed. Wiseman, whom real name was never known and was possibly the last living scientist. His mouth was covered with a lockjaw by using black magic, to make him unable to spread the word about ancient virtue. Thanks to a mysterious miracle he managed to free himself from his chains and escaped wearing his raunchy clothes, underneath it hiding his book called “Words of Wisdom”. This book contains all the knowledge and teachings of the world up to that point. Also on the Wisdom EP as on the following albums, each song has a short quotation by a philosopher, thinker, scientist or politician which sums up the song’s message. These quotations could be even taken from Wiseman’s book.
Words Of Wisdom
[szerkesztés]The band’s first LP release was titled Words Of Wisdom. Wiseman’s story continues as he fled to the depths of a dark forest where he found shelter inside a cave. Only those who were seeking true knowledge could find him here. Soon Wiseman was surrounded by a small group of followers whom he started to teach through his book. It can be surprising that he was teaching even though he couldn’t speak due to his lockjaw. The album’s main quote gives the answer to this issue:
"Therefore the sage goes about doing nothing,And practices the wordless teaching.
The ten thousand things rise and fall without cease,
But he does not begin them.
He acts on their behalf, yet not taking credit.
When he has done the work, then he forgets about it.
Therefore it lasts forever and it does not leave him."
On the art work of the album, the five band members can be found as the followers.
3 song’s lyrical themes are based on the story of Wiseman:
- Reduced To Silence
- Wiseman Said
- Words Of Wisdom
On the album release show (Keep Wiseman Alive II.) Wiseman even appeared on stage for a short time. His mask and clothes were designed by Matyas Miokovics a mask designer.
Not long after the release show Wiseman also got a role in the video shoot for the song Wisdom. The video was shot at the Kiscelli Museum in Budapest. Also his book, Words Of Wisdom is often seen in the video.
At The Gates
[szerkesztés]
On the artwork of the band’s 2007 release called “At the Gates” one of Wiseman’s followers are seen making a pact with the devil. The student had to choose between the gates of Heaven and Hell but his caducity was stronger than his true beliefs. This was the only Wisdom cover art work which wasn’t made by Gyula Havancsak but Peter Sallai.
On this EP 1 song’s lyrical theme is about Wiseman’s story:
- At The Gates
Judas
[szerkesztés]
On the band’s 2011 release called Judas it turns out that the student’s pact with the devil meant Wiseman’s betrayal, so his mission became to destroy his master. On the cover it’s seen that Judas is about to complete his evil task.
2 song’s lyrical themes are connected to Wiseman’s story on this album:
- At The Gates (re-recorded version)
- Judas (guest performance by Mats Levén as Judas)
Marching For Liberty
[szerkesztés]
The band’s 2013 release called Marching For Liberty holds the solution for the Judas scenario. Wiseman understood human nature so the betrayal wasn’t a surprise to him. His wise sight made Judas step back on his side again. The day soon came when Wiseman realized, that he can’t pass on anymore knowledge to his students, so together they started their fight against the evil forces. During their long journey towards the empire a black raven with a Wisdom medal on his neck flew onto Wiseman’s arm. This moment can be seen on the Marching For Liberty album cover.
The mysterious bird can be seen on many occasions apart from the cover such as the official video for the song Take Me To Neverland, his cawing can be heard in the intro of the song Marching For Liberty, and took part as a decoration on the Keep Wiseman Alive VII. show as well.
On this album 2 song’s lyrical theme is about Wiseman’s story:
- The Martyr
- Marching For Liberty (Guest performance by Fabio Lione as the narrator)
Wiseman appeared after a long time again on stage with the band as part of the Keep Wiseman Alive VII. show.
Wiseman appearences
[szerkesztés]- Album Covers: Wisdom EP, Words of Wisdom, At The Gates, Judas, Marching For Liberty.
- Official Videos: Strain Of Madness, Wisdom.
- On Stage: On the 2006 Words Of Wisdom album release show and the Marching For Liberty release show in 2013. [4]
- Stage Design: backdrops, kick drum heads.[5]
- Band related merchandise: T-shirts, hoodies, patches, etc.
-
Official Video "Wisdom" -
Backdrop -
On stage 2006 -
Kick drum head -
Tattoo
